Virginia Gaddis

Virginia Gaddis passed away at the age of 95 on February 19, 2025, predeceased by her husband, Charles Gaddis and son, Mark Gaddis. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Sue Gaddis; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Daniel Espalin; son and daughter-in-law, Ernie and CJ Gaddis; foster son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Patty Preston; grandchildren, Halli Gaddis, Tye Gaddis and wife, Carmel, Jason Espalin and wife, Tanya, Nathan Espalin and wife, Alethea, David Espalin and late wife, Stephanie Simon, Melissa Espalin and husband, Jose Lopez, Dustin Gaddis and fiancée, Dinah, Atlee Gaddis and wife, Holly, Widley Gaddis, and Samy Gaddis; great-grandchildren, Cole Gaddis, Tatiana Bovia, Jack Bovia, Alexander Espalin, Daniela Espalin, and Hailey Taylor; and great-great-grandchild, Willow Tayler.

Virginia earned her mechanical engineering degree from the University of New Mexico, as the first female student in the program, and owned and operated Gaddis Machine Service with her husband for over 40 years. Growing up, she found a love for riding horses and competed in the National Arabian Horse Show. Clarinet playing was a lifelong passion for her, highlighted by her role as first chair clarinet in the Albuquerque Civic Symphony. She further pursued her musical interests by performing with her children and grandchildren, as well as with the Rio Grande Presbyterian Church band.

Her family provided her with a sense of joy and contentment, whether at home or on her ranch in Mangas. As the matriarch of the family, she dedicated her life to providing for and supporting the interests of her children and grandchildren at every chance.

Virginia had a love for serving the community. She was the first female member of the Lions Club, Rio Grande Chapter, and was a Charter member of the Rio Grande Presbyterian Church, where she also served as an ordained elder and deacon. In recognition for her passion for community and gardening, the Rio Grande Presbyterian Church community garden was renamed the Gaddis Garden in her honor.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, 4:30 p.m., at Rio Grande Presbyterian Church, 600 Coors Blvd. NW. Reception to follow.